Argentina's Sergio Romero, the penalty hero
Argentina’s Sergio Romero saved two penalties in a 4-2 shootout win over the Netherlands to seal their first World Cup final place in 24 years, after the first ever goalless semi-final in World Cup history on Thursday morning (July 10).
Romero plunged low to his left to save the first penalty kick from defender Ron Vlaar and then made a superb stop from Wesley Sneijder as Argentina’s jubilant fans went wild at the Corinthians arena.
Romero saving Vlaar's penalty kick. Credit : Vine
The pressure of scoring the winning penalty kick fell to Argentina substitute Maxi Rodriguez, who slotted high past Jasper Cillessen, with the Dutch keeper failing to emulate the heroics of backup Tim Krul in their quarter-final win over Costa Rica.
Rodriguez's kick goes boom. Credit : Vine
After it ended scoreless after 120 minutes of mostly dull, cagey football, Netherlands had only three shots on target while Argentina fared slightly better with five shots.
Obviously this match will not go down in the annals of history as a classic.
Argentina move on the finals to meet old foes Germany in the final on Monday morning (July 14 Singapore time) at the historic Maracana stadium.
This will be the third time the Argentines are facing a German side in a World Cup final, once in 1986 and again in 1990.
With one win a piece (1986 - Argentina, 1990 - West Germany), the finals will definitely be one to watch.
Source: Wires.
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